Blog Archives
Avoiding the Scam Artists
Seniors vs Crime is a collection of real-life stories set in The Villages, Florida, where elder citizens find themselves targeted by a range of con artists, shady contractors, and even predatory loved ones. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I am an other-oriented person, meaning I tend to care about other people and their situations perhaps more than most people. My career as a wealth advisor afforded me an opportunity to help other people retire. When I retired in 2008 in The Villages, FL. I looked for a way to help people. Seniors Vs. Crime was that perfect opportunity. I wrote the book to provide the elderly with an opportunity to learn about scams and their artists to help them avoid possible harm.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the ideas I wanted to share was how easy it is to be duped by scam artists who credibly seem to care about you. The doctor’s wife, who befriended the Doctor’s patient and then captured the patient’s widow’s entire estate, is a good example.
I also wanted to try to urge victims to report the scam. Many people are embarrassed that they were “stupid” enough to fall for the scam. I wanted them to know that we all make mistakes, but to not report the scam is a bigger “mistake.”
Could you share more information with us about the Seniors vs. Crime program? Is it something that is still running?
Seniors vs Crime in Florida is not only still working but growing every year. It was started by the Attorney General back several decades ago as a speaker’s forum and developed into what it is today… a functioning arm of the Attorney General’s Office fighting scams and harms to seniors. It has offices all over Florida. When a senior is scammed or otherwise harmed, they can come to any of our offices to make a claim. They can also enter a claim online at Seniorsvscrime.org. The claim is entered into our system and resides at both the Attorney General’s Office as well as the local SVC office. My office is located in Brownwood, Florida in the police annex building. Once a claim is submitted the voluntary “sleuths” will begin to help the senior recover their loss.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Seniors vs Crime?
Many seniors feel their loss is irreparable. I want them to know that most of their losses are recoverable.
It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney
David W. Craig’s It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney is a sharp, eye-opening guide that walks readers through the legal landscape of attorney advertising and the pitfalls of picking a lawyer based on flash rather than facts. It starts with a chilling story, a catastrophic injury case that settled for pennies on the dollar because the victim’s family chose the wrong lawyer, and builds from there into a methodical, deeply researched argument about how legal marketing, both traditional and digital, can mislead the average person. Craig uses decades of experience to explain the evolution of legal advertising, why it can be so deceptive, and how to make better decisions when choosing legal help. The book also includes step-by-step guidance on how to identify and vet qualified attorneys.
This book stirred up a lot of frustration for me. Not because of how it was written, the writing is clear, blunt, and well-paced, but because the truth it reveals is maddening. Craig pulls no punches when explaining how law firms use billboards, flashy websites, and even hospital “runners” to scoop up vulnerable clients. The whole system is tilted in favor of those with marketing muscle, not legal skill. It felt a little like being told the magician’s secrets after already falling for the trick. At times, I wanted to shout, “How is this still allowed?” But that’s exactly what makes the book valuable. It’s not just a warning, it’s a toolkit for pushing back. His passion for protecting clients from bad outcomes shines through every page.
What I also liked was Craig’s honesty. He admits that there are good lawyers who don’t meet every “ideal” checklist he outlines and that the process isn’t foolproof. He isn’t selling himself or scaring the reader into hiring him, he’s educating with purpose. I appreciated that. The writing never talks down to you. It respects the reader’s intelligence, even as it challenges common assumptions. Some chapters were dense with stats and legal history, which dragged a little, but the real-world stories and practical advice made up for it. I especially liked the final chapters where he lays out how to actually find the right lawyer without getting tricked by marketing noise.
I think this book is a must-read for anyone who might someday need a lawyer, which, frankly, is most people. It’s especially good for those dealing with serious injury cases, criminal charges, or high-stakes family law situations. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by attorney ads or unsure where to turn after something bad happens, this book will be a lifeline. I wouldn’t call it light reading, but it’s certainly essential. Craig’s voice is steady, caring, and often quietly furious about the damage done when people trust the wrong person at the worst time.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B0F7MYYZMD
Seniors Vs. Crime
Larry G. Moran’s Seniors vs Crime is a collection of real-life stories set in The Villages, Florida, where elder citizens find themselves targeted by a range of con artists, shady contractors, and even predatory loved ones. Drawing from his own volunteer experience with the Seniors vs Crime program—a project backed by the Florida Attorney General’s Office—Moran weaves a series of gripping, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes triumphant cases involving fraud, deception, and exploitation. Each chapter focuses on a different victim and scam, illustrating not just the dangers seniors face but also the human resilience and the vital role of advocacy in protecting them.
Reading this book was like opening a window into a world most of us don’t see, one where vulnerability meets cruelty, and where the right people in the right roles can change everything. Moran writes with clarity and warmth, even as he dives into dark subject matter. His straightforward style avoids fluff or embellishment, which gives the stories a raw and real edge. The emotional arcs—despair, betrayal, shock, and ultimately relief or resolution—pulled me in case after case. One of the most affecting elements was how these crimes weren’t carried out by mysterious strangers in the night, but by trusted professionals, family members, or “kind” acquaintances who wormed their way in before robbing these seniors blind. It made me angry, and oddly hopeful, because the volunteers at Seniors vs Crime often stepped in to save the day.
What struck me most was the unvarnished truth of these stories. Moran doesn’t try to be a literary stylist, he just tells it how it happened, which actually worked better for me than fancy prose would have. It felt like listening to an old friend recount real cases over coffee. That said, a few lines of dialogue sound more scripted than conversational, and the narrative sometimes leans on exposition. But the power of the stories and the sense of justice being fought for carried the book. By the end, I felt connected to the work being done by these volunteers, and frustrated that these scams happen so often.
I’d recommend Seniors vs Crime to anyone who lives in a retirement community, has aging parents, or just wants to understand the everyday battles many seniors quietly fight. It’s equal parts infuriating and uplifting. Larry Moran has done a real service by documenting these cases, offering both a warning and a reminder that good people still step up to do the right thing.
Pages: 170 | ASIN : B0DKNTLSF5
Saint Bloodbath
Saint Bloodbath, by Frederick Douglas Reynolds, is a compelling entry in the true crime genre, chronicling the investigation into the murders of five homeless individuals in Long Beach, California. This narrative offers an unvarnished look at the real-life efforts of detectives McGuire and Cortes (not Cortez), who are at the forefront of unraveling these heinous crimes. The book also introduces the reader to parallel investigations by other detectives on similar cases, subtly weaving a thread of potential connections.
The realism of the book is underscored by an introduction and foreword that emphasize the factual basis of the events described, despite the alteration of names to protect identities. Set against the backdrop of 2008 Long Beach, Reynolds’ writing does not gloss over the grim realities faced by those involved, reflecting both the brutal nature of the crimes and the gritty determination of law enforcement.
As is often the case in true crime literature, Saint Bloodbath includes explicit descriptions of crime scenes and candid dialogue, which can be jarring but serve to immerse the reader in the stark reality of the events. The depiction of gang violence and homelessness, while necessary for the narrative, may be unsettling or triggering for some readers. However, these elements are handled with a focus on the investigation rather than sensationalizing the crime, offering a refreshing perspective for true crime enthusiasts.
Saint Bloodbath is a gripping read that highlights the intricacies of criminal investigations, presenting a sobering yet captivating account of law enforcement’s battle against violent crime. True crime aficionados will appreciate Reynolds’ thorough approach and the book’s dedication to exploring the complexities of solving real-life murders.
Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0C2SBF6H6
Immunity for Murder
Immunity for Murder: The Veronica Taft Story by David M Beers delves into the complex and heart-wrenching case of Veronica Taft, a young mother accused of her son’s murder. Beers masterfully presents the narrative with meticulous detail, weaving a tale of suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The case, initially seeming straightforward, unfolds into a series of unexpected twists that deeply affect all involved.
The book epitomizes the adage “fact is stranger than fiction.” As an audiobook narrated by the author himself, it engages the listener from the outset. Beers skillfully interlaces past events with the ongoing investigation, adding depth and darkness to the story. The narrative is not just a chronicle of a crime but a poignant exploration of systemic failures affecting the marginalized and vulnerable in society. This story is not only a gripping legal saga but also a profound commentary on societal injustices. It prompts readers to consider how easily such tragedies could occur to others under similar circumstances. Despite its challenging subject matter, the book is accessible and engaging, suitable for both seasoned true crime enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. David M Beers’ work is a compelling addition to the true crime library, offering a nuanced look at the intricacies of criminal investigation and legal proceedings. It’s particularly recommended for those interested in the meticulous details of criminal cases and their journey through the judicial system.
Immunity for Murder: The Veronica Taft Story is an enlightening read that offers a captivating narrative and insightful commentary on the broader implications of criminal justice. The book is well-researched and presents a balanced perspective on immunity in criminal cases. It is a superb audiobook for anyone interested in criminal justice and true crime stories.
Listening Length: 11 hours 33 min | ASIN : B0B33W6SBG
Americans’ Expectations of Justice
Courts of Law Not Courts of Justice illuminates various issues in the U.S. legal system and provides insight to help readers understand them. Why was this an important book for you to write?
When I was in college and then law school, I had a very idealistic mindset on how the justice system in the U.S. works. But once I saw how it really works from my time as a prosecutor and in other legal roles, I thought it was important to write a book to apprise aspiring legal minds, and the public at large, of how things work in the real world… the world outside of academia and theory. I also felt it was important to explain to the American public why what they grow up believing is “justice” is not the same as the version of “justice” our system strives to obtain so that they can perhaps be less frustrated with it, appreciate its core values, and explain why this may not be a bad thing. Ultimately, I wanted to align Americans’ expectations of justice with those they can expect from our legal system, explain why there is this disconnect, and shift the paradigm of the American public so hopefully there is less discontent with, and even civil unrest over, outcomes in our justice system that do not always seem to be just.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about the U.S. legal system?
The biggest misconception of the American public, that often leads to frustration, hopelessness, and civil unrest, is their expectations of justice and that which the American justice system actually provides. Americans are raised to believe and taught in schools that justice means what the dictionary defines as justice – merited rewards or punishments and receiving what one deserves. However, the American justice system was designed to protect against governmental overreach and to ensure that there are many, many protections against innocent people being convicted of crimes. As a result, many otherwise guilty people often go free so that every American is protected against the risk of wrongful conviction. That version of “justice” is not what people are raised to believe “justice” really means. Their expectation of the dictionary version of “justice” often frustrates them. This frustration can be alleviated by an understanding of the holistic aims of our system that can, in individual cases, produce unjust results.
What kind of research did you undertake to complete this book?
After having spent time prosecuting thousands of cases as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City, litigating and trying cases as a civil litigator, working in various other legal roles, spending significant time around high-level policy makers, and years of reflection, I thought it important to write this book based on keen insights gleaned over those years and reflections related thereto. Once I was ready to write about these insights, I spoke with judges, former prosecutors, assistant attorneys general, civil litigators, and historians to get the benefits of their views and opinions. I did empirical research on the justice system which was also backed by statistical analysis. I then pulled together the statistics, empirical research, but most importantly, keen insights of those legal experts I spoke with, along with my own experiences and insights derived therefrom, and wrote the book. It then went through the hands of multiple editors to tighten the language so as to not be overly verbose or extraneous in order to respect the reader’s time and provide a book that said as much as possible in as few words as possible for a better, more efficient reading and learning experience.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I hope readers will come away with a new level of awareness that has been generated by critical thinking on the aims of our justice system, the history behind its making, and the questions presented regarding whether our system is one that is the best in the world and is supported by our values, or whether there is a better system elsewhere. I want them to think about what is important to them in constructing a justice system and to then decide whether our current system reflects those values. If it does, I would like them to understand that, while not perfect and at times limited, those imperfections and limitations are necessary to produce a system that reflects those values. As such, an acceptance of its flaws is necessary to achieve the adherence to the values that our justice system reflects. And if they think there is a better system elsewhere, to think about how the attributes of those systems can be implemented here to bring about a more just system while still embracing the values American hold dearest in a justice system.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Americans are taught that justice means fairness. They expect it from our legal system. “Equal Justice Under Law” is prominently inscribed on the Supreme Court. Yet law and justice in America are not necessarily the same thing. And they are certainly not applied in equal ways.
The disconnect between these realities and what Americans are taught about justice has led to great strife in our society. But what if everyone grew up understanding the limitations of our justice system, yet understood what it is striving to achieve? Through the Revolutionary War, historic cases, civil unrest, Broken Windows law enforcement, corrupt police and attorneys, and jury bias, the lens through which you see the American justice system is about to change, all as told by former Baltimore prosecutor –- Eric Oberer. It is time for a paradigm shift…
LITERARY TITAN 